What Makes a Great Résumé?
Use these free tips to create a great résumé—one that commands attention and displays your skills and achievements in the best possible way.
Need help with your résumé? I offer tune-ups, complete résumé packages, and everything in-between.
A Great Résumé is unique (but not too unusual)
You are a unique individual! A unique résumé will not only help you stand out from the crowd, it will show potential employers why they should hire you instead of someone else. To make it unique, write it from scratch—so it doesn’t look like every other “boilerplate” or template-based résumé on the manager's desk.
Don’t get too carried away, though. You want your résumé to impart a professional look, so keep it elegant and simple.
A Great Résumé is easy to read
On average, an employer has only eight to ten seconds of time to skim your résumé and decide whether you’re worth another look. If it is easy to read it stands out, and is instantly impressive. If it's hard to read, it will end up in the trash.
- Use short words, and the fewest words that will clearly get your point across
- Write naturally, the way you would speak to someone
- Only include things that support your goal of getting an interview
A Great Résumé is well-organized
Don’t make employers hunt for the information they want. Remember, you only get ten seconds!
- Place your name (in bold) and contact information at the top of the page
- Use clear headings that guide the reader’s eye to each section
- Use the appropriate chronological or functional format
A Great Résumé looks professional
- Print your résumé on quality paper; white or muted colors are best
- Black ink is easiest to read and gives a crisp look
- Use a conservative font
A Great Résumé is powerfully written
Your résumé is your ticket to your dream job. Help your next employer imagine what you’ll do for them by focusing on the future, using what you've done in the past for support.
- Concentrate on your accomplishments rather than past responsibilities
- Tailor your résumé—or a cover letter—to each job description
- Use “action words” for powerful imagery
A Great Résumé is error-free
One typo or misspelled word can send your résumé straight to the wastebasket. Triple-check everything, and then ask two friends to check it again.
- Check every word by reading your résumé out loud
- Have at least two people proof-read it for you
- Don’t trust spell-check programs!
A Great Résumé is written in plain language
Watch out for flowery language or unnecessary words. Remember: hiring managers are in a hurry. If you make it easy for them and don’t waste their time, you'll make points.
- Avoid jargon and clichés, which can alienate the reader
- Use big words only when you need to
A Great Résumé tells the truth
If you don't tell the truth, and you get caught, it's all over. It's a lot of work to keep the stories straight through multiple interviews.
- Don’t lie
- Don’t exaggerate or make things up
- Consider creative ways to deal with touchy subjects
- It may be OK to leave something out
About Cover Letters
A cover letter is a quick and effective way to personalize your résumé each time you apply for a job. Tailor each cover letter to each job opportunity.
- Address your letter directly to the hiring manager, if possible
- Use keywords from the job description
- Keep it simple and easy to read
How can I help you?
If you'd like assistance preparing your résumé or cover letters, I would be happy to meet with you in person or on the phone.
Call 916-200-6508 or e-mail to make an appointment.
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